நல்ல குடும்பத்தில் பிறந்து குற்றம் ஏதும் இல்லாதவனாய்ப் பழிக்கு அஞ்சி, வெட்கப்படுபவனையே பதவிக்குத் தெரிவு செய்யவேண்டும்.

குற்றமற்றவனாகவும், பழிச்செயல் புரிந்திட அஞ்சி நாணுகின்றவனாகவும் இருப்பவனையே உயர்குடியில் பிறந்தவன் எனத் தெளிவு கொள்ள வேண்டும்

நல்லகுடியில் பிறந்து குற்றங்களிலிருந்து நீங்கிப் பழியாச் செயல்களைச் செய்ய அஞ்சுகின்ற நாணம் உடையவனையே நம்பித் தெளிய வேண்டும்.

(The king's) choice should (fall) on him, who is of good family, who is free from faults, and who has the modesty which fears the wounds (of sin)

This verse from Thiru Kural advises the ruler on the characteristics to look for when choosing an individual for a position of responsibility. The verse suggests three crucial traits. Firstly, the person should hail from a respectable family. In the cultural context of ancient India, a person's family lineage was an indicator of their upbringing and the values they had been taught. It was believed that good families instill virtues and moral principles in their children, equipping them to be effective leaders. Secondly, the individual should be free from faults or wrongdoings. This emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and moral character in a leader. A leader with a clean record would be more likely to uphold justice and fairness. Lastly, the verse mentions the importance of modesty, which in this context is interpreted as a fear of committing sinful actions. A leader who fears the consequences of wrongdoings would be less likely to misuse their power for personal gain. This 'fear' is not one of cowardice but is a reflection of the individual's moral conscience. In essence, Thiru Kural states that a ruler should choose leaders who come from good families, are free from faults, and have a strong moral conscience. These traits would ensure the chosen leader is capable, trustworthy, and would uphold the principles of justice and righteousness in their leadership.